Inspiration for today 8/21/2024

 

Just wanted to put out a little inspiration as we step into the world. Let the Holy Spirit of God be your guide and source of strength today. You have what you need to repel the enemy’s assaults. Be mindful of the little things; the not so obvious; the subtle ways that Satan and his imps creep into our thoughts.

 

'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.' -- Romans 12:21

'for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. ' -- 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8

Blessings to you all

Is The Devil Real?

Last month I posted that I was being led to start a series of messages speaking to the reality of spiritual warfare and the fight we are all in (whether we know it or not.) Again, I am not a preacher/pastor, or a scholar. I have not attended seminary, so I am not formally trained. Anything I may write is what I am led to put out, and one should test this against scripture and ask the Holy Spirit of God to offer guidance and discernment, especially when dealing with the enemy.

To begin to understand that we are truly in a spiritual battle with a powerful enemy, we have to answer the question: Is the devil (Satan, also known as the dragon) real? If you believe the Bible, the answer is yes. If you believe your eyes, the answer is, again, yes. The Bible is pretty specific and open about Satan. God's Word tells us who the enemy is, where he came from, and how we can defeat him.

The devil is the "prince" of demons. He stood against God and led a rebellion (more on that in later posts.) He was cast out, thrown down, along with his angels. Revelation describes this well.

Revelation 12:7-9 LSB

"'And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. " -- Revelation 12:7-9 LSB

The Bible is loaded with references to our enemy. Early on, in Genesis, we are introduced to him as the tempter in the garden. 

Genesis 3:1 LSB

'Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which Yahweh God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘ You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” ' -- Genesis 3:1 LSB

Later, in Chronicles, we see his attack on David:

1 Chronicles 21:1 LSB

'Then Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to number Israel. ' -- 1 Chronicles 21:1 LSB

Again, from Revelation:

Revelation 12:9 LSB

'And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. '
Revelation 12:9 LSB

But Jesus' own story from Matthew 4, the temptation chapter, affirms the truth of the devil (also, the tempter.) 

Matthew 4:1-11 LSB'

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil *took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command H is angels concerning You ’; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up , Lest You strike Y our foot against a stone .’ ” Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ ” Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. ' -- Matthew 4:1-11 LSB

In a nutshell, Satan is real. Satan is powerful. Satan and his demons are seeking to destroy you and me.

 I Peter 5:8 NKJV

'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. ' -- I Peter 5:8 NKJV

Once we understand that the threat is real, that we are a target of the enemy and his army, then we can begin to build a defense against his schemes and learn not only how to repel the attacks, but to also stand firm and hold onto the ground we already occupy in Christ's Kingdom. Finally, we can take the knowledge and wisdom and leading of God's Word and advance against the evil and wickedness of the world, taking ground and rescuing captives from the grasp of Satan. 

Dig in and study.

May God bless you, and may His Holy Spirit lead you.

Spiritual War Rages (I)

 

Anyone who knows me, or has followed and read many of my posts, will know that I have a heart for ministering and speaking against the evil forces in this world. Several years ago, I witnessed real spiritual battle of a kind I could never have been able to imagine, evil that is intent on destroying the people of God and keeping the Word from reaching those who are not saved. Since, I have come under these attacks but have had opportunities to study and lead studies to be better equipped to fight the spiritual battles, battles that rage around us all of the time and wherever we may be. 

The beauty and truth are we have the tools to not just defend ourselves, but to create a real buffer of protection around us to help keep the enemy of God at bay. Make no mistake, though, the enemy is real, but so is King Jesus and His cover. As John the Apostle tells us,

John 10:10 LSB

'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. ' -- John 10:10 LSB

Truth. . .. But, now what? How does one take cover from the attacks? I would love to share some of what I have learned on this platform and, if any are interested, create some content that will be beneficial to each of us in our battles.

I have no new specific insight, nor can I add anything to the Word that has been given to us. What I can do, and what I will do, is try and package some of this into digestible bites that will be easier to apply (for myself as well.)

What say you all? Interested? Regardless, this will be happening. Likely not on a regularly scheduled series of posts at this time, but instead as I am led to scribe and relay by God’s Holy Spirit. So, let’s start here:

There is so much in God’s Word that we can draw comfort, knowledge and protection from. For me, the go to starting point is Ephesians 6, as Paul gives us a crash course in self-defense from the barrage of attack from Satan. Study these specific verses and note that he is urgent in his instruction, yet optimistic in the fact that he knows this is wise, efficient and ultimately successful.

Ephesians 6:10-20

'Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the might of His strength. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. In addition to all, having taken up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, also receive the helmet of salvation , and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times with all prayer and petition in the Spirit, and to this end, being on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, as well as on my behalf, that words may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel— for which I am an ambassador in chains—so that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. ' -- Ephesians 6:10-20

Going forward, and as I am led, more will come. In the interim, pick up your bible and read.

 

May God bless you, and may His Holy Spirit lead you.

Here’s to new adventures! Sometimes, often at times unlooked for, change happens. Seasons change in life as winter-to-spring-to-summer-to fall (unless you are in Texas and that becomes a big jumbled mess. . . .)

A recent conversation I was a part of centered around adventure and how God’s design for us is that, and adventure. Not always fun, but definitely exciting, and often upon reflection, having successfully navigated certain legs of the journey, feeling a sense of awe and accomplishment knowing that God has come through yet again. This life, made up of so many and varied adventures, is itself the big adventure. The Lord is with us throughout and will see us through. Sometimes we come out a bit bruised, but always better for the experience.

Father God, thank you for your goodness and grace. We give you glory and praise as we humbly acknowledge your sovereignty. I pray that as we move about in this world, this great adventure, you fill us with your Holy Spirit to serve you where we are; that you will present us with opportunities to share how you have brought us through the tumultuous times and provided safety and rest on our way. Let us not be in fear of the unknown, but embrace the challenges of life, not as a barrier but as a launching point to the great heights of your amazing love. I thank you in advance for what I have yet to experience today. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Morning Prayer 03-14-2024

 

Today, let me offer this for those who are struggling to find the peace and joy and comfort that can only be found in Christ:

Creator God, how often have I cried out and you have heard me? How many times have you rescued me from the pains of this world? More than I can count. . . . Now I come to you again in prayer over the many in my life who need the comfort of your Holy Spirit. Father, please, settle upon those who need you and give them the peace that comes with knowing you are with us and are in control. When we feel overwhelmed and uncertain, you are always there for us, and I pray that today you reveal yourself to the ones who are suffering. Confirm to those of us moving into new seasons that you know our needs and will overcome all obstacles on our behalf. Let us give up the controls to you, Lord. God, I thank you in advance for the amazing things we will see through you as we put you and your perfect will ahead of everything else. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

'I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”' -- John 16:33

'Give ear to my words, O Lord ; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. O , in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.' -- Psalm 5:1-3